PORTS Victoria has announced it has appointed Kylie McDonald as the new Harbour Master for the ports of Geelong and Hastings (Western Port).
After an international recruitment process which Ports Victoria described as competetive, Ms McDonald was considered a standout applicant and has been promoted to the role from her current position as Deputy Harbour Master for the Port of Geelong.
Announcing the appointment, Ports Victoria CEO Craig Walker said Kylie McDonald’s experience and attitude was exactly what the port authority had been seeking from a high-quality field of local and international applicants.
“Many in the maritime industry will already know of Kylie and the capability she has displayed during her time with Ports Victoria and during her impressive career journey,” Mr Walker said.
“We’re delighted to see Kylie stepping up and continuing her vital contribution to our team.
“She has an outstanding reputation and her wealth of experience across the Australian maritime industry, and with the Royal Australian Navy, will be a great boost for Geelong and other regional ports.”
Prior to joining Ports Victoria as Deputy Harbour Master at Geelong, Kylie was marine technical advisor for Viva Energy Australia, and Regional Harbour Master and director of maritime safety for the Northern Territory.
Ports Victoria revealed Ms McDonald’s previous experience incorporates both shore-side and sea-based leadership and management roles such as Deputy Regional Harbour Master NT, Naval Harbour Master, Maritime Operations Planner Northern Command and Navigator/Ships Pilot.
The previous harbour master for Geelong and Hastings was Nick Ellul, who took on the role of executive manager – maritime with Ports Victoria in November 2024.
“I look forward to Kylie building upon the work of previous Harbour Masters and taking our operations to the next level,” said Mr Walker.
“Kylie will partner closely with Mike Dunn when he assumes the harbour master–Port of Melbourne position and with other members of the marine operations division.”
In accepting the position, Kylie McDonald said she was delighted to take on the new role.
“I am honoured to continue my work for Ports Victoria in my new position and I am excited for the variety and challenge the role will present,” she said. “I look forward to working with our port stakeholders and the broader Victorian maritime community to ensure a continued focus on maritime safety and efficient port operations.”
